India Crushes Thailand 11-0 in Asia Cup Hockey Opener

Hangzhou (China), Sep 5 (PTI): In a commanding opener at the women's Asia Cup hockey tournament, India delivered a decisive 11-0 victory against Thailand on Friday.

Udita Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung both excelled by scoring two goals each, with Udita finding the net in the 30th and 52nd minutes via penalty corners, while Dung Dung struck in the 45th and 54th minutes. India's formidable lineup also saw goals from Mumtaz Khan (7th minute), Sangita Kumari (10th), Navneet Kaur (16th), Lalremsiami (18th), Thoudam Suman Devi (49th), Sharmila Devi (57th), and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (60th).

Ranked ninth globally, India entered halftime leading 5-0 against Thailand, who are positioned at 30th in the world in the Pool B showdown. The Asia Cup includes eight teams, and the top two from each pool advance to the Super 4s stage. The leading two teams from the Super 4s will compete in the final, slated for September 14.

Despite missing the experience of injured goalkeeper Savita Punia and top drag-flicker Deepika, the Indian team remains focused. The winners of the Asia Cup will secure a place in the 2026 Women's World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

India's journey in the tournament continues as they face Japan on Saturday, followed by their final pool clash against Singapore on September 8.

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